When to photograph NGC 2024 (Flame Nebula)
NGC 2024, the Flame Nebula, is a nebula in Orion, 30′ across.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 5.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 43° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December, with up to 6.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 57° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 30′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 630 to 1430 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 960 to 2200 mm.
Filters and the moon
Reflection and dark nebulae are broadband targets. They need dark, moon-free nights and plenty of integration time. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows NGC 2024's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- IC 434 Horsehead Nebula region 0.6° away
- M 78 2.3° away
- NGC 1977 Running Man Nebula 3.4° away
- M 43 Mairan's Nebula 3.7° away
- M 42 Orion Nebula 3.9° away
- NGC 2170 7.9° away
Gear that suits NGC 2024
NGC 2024 is 30′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 47% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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